Weeks ahead of the European Windows Phone 7 launch, Microsoft has announced that its Zune digital entertainment platform will soon be available to more regions. Version 4.7 of the Zune software will be available in more than 20 countries, but Microsoft's various services will be limited to far less.
The Zune Pass music subscription service will arrive in the UK, France, Italy, and Spain with unlimited downloads and streaming for £8.99 / €9.99 per month. However, unlike the $14.99 US offering, EU users won't be able to keep 10 DRM-free songs per month – meaning that if you cancel your subscription, you lose access to the music.
Customers in the above noted regions (as well as Germany) will be able to buy music, while video purchases will extend to Canada, Australia and New Zealand with playback support on your PC, Xbox Live, and Windows Phone 7 devices. Even more nations will have video rentals. Redmond names Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Mexico in addition to the others.